Nuclear Pulse Propulsion — Orion Drive Simulator (2D)

Nuclear pulse propulsion pushes a spacecraft by detonating a rapid series of small nuclear charges behind a massive pusher plate rather than burning propellant continuously. This 2D side-view simulator models the same two physical problems as the full 3D version: how much impulse a single pulse unit really delivers to the plate, and how a mechanical shock-absorber strut spreads that violent, near-instant kick into an acceleration a crew could survive. Adjust the charge yield, pulse cadence, and the strut's stiffness and damping, then fire single pulses or switch to auto-fire and watch the pusher plate and crew module oscillate on the strut while live plots trace the plate's jagged pulse-driven velocity against the ship's smooth shock-absorbed velocity, and cumulative Δv against pulse count compared to the theoretical sum-of-impulses line.